Chemistry and Krome Communications Inc., Pittsburgh’s 12th and 23rd largest advertising agencies respectively, are merging as of Nov. 1.

The combined agency, which likely will become Pittsburgh’s seventh-largest, will operate under Chemistry’s name and from its offices in the Oliver Building. Chemistry President Ned Show is assuming the title of CEO, while Krome CEO Robert Neville moves into the president role. Financials were not disclosed, but Neville will have an equity stake in Chemistry.

“I’ve been approached several times in the past by agencies, reputable firms that made offers for acquisition or merger,” Neville said. “For whatever reasons, I wasn’t ready to do it. But this time, if you’ll pardon the pun, the chemistry is right.”

Show said Krome’s public relations and business-to-business expertise augments Chemistry’s strength in digital. Chemistry is tied with Songwhale LLC for seventh place among the city’s largest multimedia/digital marketing firms. There are no client conflicts. While there is some overlap in administrative positions, Show said decisions have not been made about how this will be handled.

They figure the combined firm will employ around 40, and they plan to hire digital staffers, though how many hasn’t been determined.

“You can never have enough smart digital talent,” Show said.

Show and Neville have talked casually for a couple of years, but discussions heated up about six months ago.

“After quite a long courtship, Bob and I got to know each other and it was clear how much sense it makes for our two organizations to come together,” Show said. “We kept waiting for a speed bump to appear, and it never did — from a client conflict or philosophically.”

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